BBL vs. IPL Laser Treatments - Skin Savvy Aesthetics Med Spa (2024)

The Blog

When it comes to laser treatments, many options are available. Two of the most common laser treatments are BBL and IPL, to improve skin tone and texture and address various other aesthetic concerns. Let’s discuss the difference and why BBL might be the treatment for you!

What is IPL Skin Treatment?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a light-based laser treatment used to improve the appearance of the patient’s skin. This procedure targets and destroys pigmented cells in the skin, resulting in brighter, smoother skin with fewer signs of aging or sun damage. IPL light waves also gently heat the deeper layers of skin, stimulating collagen production.

Benefits of IPL

IPL is a gentle yet effective treatment for those looking to improve the appearance of their skin. One of the main benefits of IPL is that it requires minimal downtime, with most people able to return to their normal activities directly after the procedure. It’s also safe and non-invasive, which makes it ideal for those who don’t want to undergo invasive treatments.

Common Side Effects of IPL

• Redness: if you experience redness after the treatment, it should subside within a few hours. To reduce redness, try applying a topical aloe vera gel.
• Swelling: Swelling is common after IPL treatments and can last up to 48 hours. Use a cold compress over the treated area to reduce swelling.
• Discomfort: You may experience discomfort or a burning sensation during the procedure, which should subside once the treatment is over. Take Tylenol before and after the procedure to help with any pain or discomfort.

What is BBL Skin Treatment?

BBL stands for BroadBand Light, a newer technology that utilizes an advanced laser to treat skin issues. This treatment uses different wavelengths of light to precisely target specific skin problems with more accuracy than IPL therapy. It can treat common skin issues such as sun spots, rosacea, age spots, broken capillaries, and wrinkles. Unlike IPL, which targets and destroys pigmented cells in the skin, BBL targets specific conditions that improve skin tone and texture. It targets melanin (pigment) and blood vessels, allowing for more precision when targeting specific areas of concern.

Benefits of BBL

BBL is a more precise treatment than IPL, allowing for improved targeting of specific skin issues with greater accuracy. It also can reduce wrinkles and stimulate collagen production, resulting in smoother, younger-looking skin. Another major benefit of BBL is that it requires very little downtime – typically none – making it an ideal choice for quick results. BBL technology can alter genes on a molecular level to help generate a more youthful appearance and reverse signs of aging.

Common Side Effects of BBL

• Redness: If you notice redness following the procedure, it should go away in a few hours. Consider using a topical aloe vera gel to lessen the redness.
• Swelling: After IPL treatments, swelling is typical and can last up to 48 hours. Apply cold compress to the treated region to lessen swelling.
• Pain: During the treatment, you can feel pain or a burning feeling; this should pass after it is over. Tylenol can be used before and after the treatment to ease pain or discomfort.
• Dark spots or Lightening of the Skin: It is possible to have dark spots on the surface of the skin after BBL treatment. Additionally, lightening of the skin may occur due to increased sensitivity to UV rays. Be sure to use sunscreen or other protective measures for a few weeks after your treatment.

How Do BBL and IPL Differ?

The main difference between BBL and IPL is the level of precision. BBL utilizes multiple wavelengths of light to more accurately target specific skin issues, while IPL relies on a single wavelength of light that cannot be adjusted. BBL is typically used for more complex problems such as redness, wrinkles, and scarring. In addition, BBL treatments go deeper into the skin than IPL treatments and require fewer sessions for desired results.

How to Maintain Results

To maintain the best results from both BBL and IPL, it’s important to follow a good skin care regimen. This means using a sunscreen every day and avoiding excessive sun exposure. Additionally, get regular treatments to keep your skin looking its best.

Which Treatment is Right for You?

BBL and IPL can help improve the appearance of your skin, but BBL is generally considered more effective for treating more complex issues. If you have sun spots, rosacea, age spots, broken capillaries, or wrinkles that you would like to reduce or eliminate, then BBL may be the best option.

Get a BBL Treatment with Skin Savvy

Skin Savvy Med Spa uses the latest technology to provide our clients with safe and effective BBL treatments. We can tailor a treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Contact us today to book an appointment and start your journey to beautiful skin!

Get that glow you’ve been looking for today! Click the button below to book your next treatment.